Recipe

Spaghetti alla Carrettiera with a Twist

Sicilian-inspired Spaghetti alla Carrettiera: A Burst of Flavors

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with this Sicilian-inspired twist on the classic Spaghetti alla Carrettiera. This dish hails from Rome and combines simple yet vibrant ingredients to create a mouthwatering pasta experience.

Pasta› Spaghetti alla carrettiera (Rome)

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

15 minutes

Total time

30 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan (omit Pecorino Romano cheese), Dairy-free (omit Pecorino Romano cheese)

Allergens

N/A

Not suitable for

Gluten-free (unless using gluten-free spaghetti), Nut-free (due to the presence of capers and olives)

Ingredients

350g (12 oz) spaghetti 350g (12 oz) spaghetti
4 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili flakes 1 teaspoon chili flakes
4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup pitted black olives, sliced 1/4 cup pitted black olives, sliced
Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Pecorino Romano cheese (for garnish) Grated Pecorino Romano cheese (for garnish)

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 2g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 62g, 4g
Protein: 10g
Fiber: 4g
Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1.
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes, and sauté until fragrant.
3.
Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
4.
Stir in the capers and black olives, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.
6.
Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
7.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

Capers — Rinse and drain the capers before using to remove excess saltiness.
Pecorino Romano cheese — Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes.
Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Experiment with different types of olives to find your favorite combination.
Serve with a side of crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.
Leftovers can be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Spaghetti alla Carrettiera in individual pasta bowls, garnished with extra grated Pecorino Romano cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread and a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, twirl the spaghetti onto a fork and gently place it in the center of the pasta bowl. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top and sprinkle some chili flakes for a pop of color. Place a small bunch of fresh parsley on the side for an elegant touch.